RESEARCH

Our Commitment to Research

We believe that meaningful transformation within the cocoa industry must be built on knowledge, innovation, and data-driven solutions. That is why we undertake academic and action research that supports our mission of developing a prosperous and sustainable cocoa ecosystem for cocoa-producing nations.

Our research is designed to:

Address key challenges in the cocoa sector
Explore innovative solutions for sustainability and economic growth
Inform policies and industry practices
Empower young leaders with actionable insights

Through rigorous investigation, GYLSCO ensures that its initiatives are grounded in evidence-based strategies, fostering long-term impact in the communities we serve.

RESEARCH LEAD

DR YICHEN XI

Dr. Yichen Xi is an academic and researcher specialising in entrepreneurship, technology innovation, and digital transformation. With over a decade of experience in research and teaching, he has collaborated with global institutions such as the University of Birmingham, the Beijing Institute of Technology, and leading organisations in blockchain, AI, and fintech.

Holding a Ph.D. in Entrepreneurship, Technology Innovation, and Public Service Management from the University of Birmingham, Dr. Xi’s expertise spans key areas such as decentralised trust in blockchain ecosystems, cybersecurity, and digital entrepreneurship. His work has been published in esteemed journals and conferences, and he has secured research funding from institutions like the UK’s EPSRC and the Birmingham Business School.

As GYLSCO’s Research Lead, Dr. Xi oversees the program’s academic and action-research initiatives, ensuring that research-driven insights contribute to sustainable and innovative solutions for the cocoa sector. His leadership enables the development of impactful studies that align with GYLSCO’s mission of fostering economic and social transformation in cocoa-producing communities.

Fluent in Mandarin, English, and Italian, Dr. Xi brings a global perspective and a commitment to bridging research with real-world applications to drive meaningful change in the industry.

Key Research Areas

Cocoa Economy and Value Creation
Study of market dynamics, trade policies, and value chain optimisation strategies to foster a more sustainable and equitable sector.

Youth Leadership, Motivation, and Innovation
Analysis of psychological, social, and environmental drivers that inspire young individuals to take on leadership roles and drive sustainable transformations.

Fintech for Rural Development
Exploration of the potential of financial technologies to modernise rural economies, enhance financial inclusion, and empower marginalised communities through innovative digital solutions.

Building Youth-Led Inclusive Economic Models
Development of strategic frameworks that promote sustainable and inclusive economic systems led by young people to strengthen community autonomy and resilience.

Join us

Are you a researcher, academic institution, or industry expert interested in collaborating with GYLSCO? We welcome partnerships that contribute to the advancement of knowledge and solutions for a more sustainable and inclusive cocoa industry.